Kunstmuseum Basel
Basel-Stadt
Kunstmuseum Basel, located in Basel, Switzerland, is renowned as the oldest public art collection globally and a leading Swiss museum of art. Originating from the 1661 Amerbach Cabinet, it was the first municipally owned museum accessible to the public. Its extensive collection spans from early 15th-century Upper Rhine artists to contemporary works, including the largest collection of Holbein family paintings worldwide. The museum features Renaissance masterpieces by artists such as Konrad Witz and Lucas Cranach the Elder, Flemish and Dutch Golden Age paintings by Rubens and Rembrandt, and 19th-century Impressionists like Monet and Cézanne. The 20th-century collection highlights Cubism with Picasso and Braque, Expressionism with Munch and Nolde, and movements like Dadaism and Surrealism. The museum also houses significant works by Swiss symbolist Arnold Böcklin and unique compilations by Picasso, Klee, and Giacometti. Kunstmuseum Basel operates across three sites, including the main building and contemporary art wing, offering visitors a comprehensive journey through art history and modern expressions.
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Tip: Visit Kunstmuseum Basel on weekdays between 10 am and 6 pm for the main and new buildings; the contemporary wing may have different hours. Take advantage of free admission times on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays (5–6 pm), Wednesdays (5–8 pm), and the first Sunday of each month. Booking tickets online in advance is recommended, especially for special exhibitions and guided tours. The museum offers free participation events and workshops, and audio guides are available to enhance your visit.
Interesting facts
- •Kunstmuseum Basel holds the world's largest collection of works by the Holbein family.
- •It is the oldest public art collection in the world, dating back to 1661.
- •The museum's collection includes significant works by Arnold Böcklin, the most important Swiss symbolist painter.
- •In 1975, the Dia Art Foundation installed Dan Flavin's 'Untitled (In memory of Urs Graf)' as its first major public work, now a permanent outdoor installation at the museum.
- •The museum was among the first to publicly exhibit Impressionist paintings in Switzerland, acquiring Camille Pissarro's 'Village in Pontoise' in 1912.
History
Kunstmuseum Basel's origins trace back to 1661 when the city acquired the Amerbach Cabinet, establishing the first municipally owned public art collection worldwide.
Initially exhibited at the House zur Mücke in 1671, the collection expanded over centuries, merging with the Faesch Museum in 1823 and relocating several times to accommodate growth.
The current museum building opened in 1936.
Over time, the collection broadened to include Renaissance, Baroque, Impressionist, and modern art, with significant donations such as the Bachofen-Burckhardt Collection in 1904 enriching its holdings.
The museum has continuously evolved, reflecting Basel's commitment to cultural preservation and public access to art.
Place Guide
Amerbach Cabinet16th century
The foundational collection acquired in 1661, featuring early works by Hans Holbein and other Renaissance masters, marking the start of the world's first public art museum.
Main Building (Hauptbau)1936
The primary museum building housing a broad range of artworks from the Renaissance through the 20th century, including Flemish, Dutch, and Swiss masterpieces.
Contemporary Wing (Neubau)Late 20th century
Dedicated to contemporary art, this section features works from the mid-20th century to present, including artists like Joseph Beuys, Andy Warhol, and Rosemarie Trockel.
Dan Flavin's Untitled (In memory of Urs Graf)1975
A permanent outdoor light installation in the museum's front courtyard, installed in 1975 by the Dia Art Foundation as its first major public artwork, gifted to the museum in 1980.
Contact
Phone: 061 206 62 62
